How Does Waterproof Rain Gear Work?

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This article is part of our series: Rainwear Basics

closeup detail of a waterproof rain jacket

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How to Choose Rainwear

Learn about the types of rainwear, including waterproof/breathable technology, and how to choose the jacket that will best serve your needs.

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Rainwear: Durable Water Repellent (DWR) Care

Learn how to test your rainwear’s durable water repellent (DWR) coating and how to revive existing DWR or apply new DWR.

Contributing Experts

Photo of Scott F. Smith
Scott F. Smith

Scott F. Smith is the Test Engineering Manager for the Product Research, Testing and Quality team at REI Co-op. Away from the lab he enjoys hiking, skiing, climbing and mountain biking, and his new passions: surfing and ocean conservation work.

Photo of Steve Nagode
Steve Nagode

Now an independent product developer and engineer, Steve Nagode worked at REI for 24 years in a variety of lab and engineering roles, ultimately becoming REI Co-op’s Senior Innovation Engineer. He’s also an avid, snowboarder, hiker and cyclist.

Photo of Tifani Andre
Tifani Andre

Tifani Andre is Senior Manager, Product Research, Testing & Quality at REI Co-op Brands. Tifani enjoys learning the natural world around her, and loves kayak gunkholing and hiking with field guides to identify local critters and plants.